John Agoglia

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John Joseph Agoglia (September 24, 1937 – March 14, 2014) was an American television executive noted for his work at

NBC Enterprises. He was considered one of the network's top negotiators, often heading complicated negotiations between NBC and producers, actors and television studios. Agoglia was instrumental in the decision to replace Johnny Carson, the departing host of The Tonight Show, with Jay Leno in 1992.[1][2]

Agoglia was born in

television industry.[1] He worked as an executive at CBS for sixteen years before joining rival NBC in 1980.[1] Agoglia moved to southern California permanently when he took the position at NBC.[1]

Agoglia worked directly under a string of well-known Presidents of

episode at the peak of the show's popularity.[2]

Agoglia played a significant role in the decision by NBC to name

New York Times journalist, Bill Carter.[1] An HBO film adaptation of the book, The Late Shift, aired in 1996.[2] Agoglia was portrayed by actor Reni Santoni in the film.[1]

Agoglia led a multi-network 1993 boycott of the Emmy Awards, following a decision by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to air the awards exclusively on ABC.[1] The Emmys had previously broadcast on the television networks on a rotating basis. Agoglia denounced the exclusivity agreement between ABC and the Emmys as "bizarre at best" and retaliated by boycott all Academy events, including the Primetime Emmy Awards.[1][3] The Academy and the Emmys, under pressure from Agoglia's boycott, eventually relented and cancelled the deal with ABC.[1] The Emmys returned to the previous agreement, in which the award show was broadcast on each of the four broadcast networks on a rotating basic each year.[1] Agoglia rejoined the executive committee of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 1994 after the deal with ABC was ended.[3]

On June 17, 1997, Agoglia announced his decision to retire from NBC.[4] He left NBC in 1998 after eighteen years with the network.[1]

During his retirement Agoglia launched a Media Consulting firm; served as President of the Board of LAX Airport Commission; Served on board of directors of KCET Los Angeles; and was board chairman of the Los Angeles Universal Preschool Program.

John Agoglia died on March 14, 2014, at the age of 76 following a three-year illness with cancer.[1] He was survived by his sons, Anthony and John Steven, three grandchildren, and his brother, Thomas Agoglia. His wife, Joanne Agoglia, died in 2010.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Lowry, Brian (2014-03-25). "John Agoglia, Top NBC Exec in 'Must-See TV' Era, Dies at 76". Variety. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
  2. ^ a b c d e "R.I.P. Longtime NBC Exec John Agoglia". Deadline Hollywood. 2014-03-18. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
  3. ^ a b Lowry, Brian (1994-04-19). "Agoglia returns to TV Acad exec board". Variety. Retrieved 2014-04-13.
  4. New York Times
    . Retrieved 2014-04-14.
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